Advice on Travel to Ireland

Katie Brenton/sxc.hu

The European island nation of Ireland is famous for its lush green meadows and rocky coastline. The Atlantic Ocean flanks Ireland to the west and the Irish Sea separates the island from England and Scotland to the east. The Republic of Ireland includes most of the island, but the tiny region of Northern Ireland is technically part of the United Kingdom. Visitors in Ireland will find a number of enjoyable outdoor activities in the sprawling countryside and rugged terrain outside the main city centers of Dublin and Belfast.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Where to go and What to do

Things You’ll Need:

Hiking Boots Passport
Hiking Boots
Passport

Step 1

Explore the lakes, woodlands and mountains of Killarney National Park. Situated southwest of the town of Killarney, this park is home to some beautiful bodies of water, including the glacial Lough Leane and Muckross Lake. Canoe along the lakes and observe Ireland's only wild herd of native red deer as they graze on the peat-moss islands. Killarney National Park has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and it's not hard to see why. Trek up the slopes of McGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Mountain trails offer sweeping views of the lakes and forest of the park below.

Step 2

Hike the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland. Located in proximity to the historic walled city of Derry, visitors in this region can trek along the rugged stretch of shoreline cliffs and caves connecting quaint coastal towns. The Giant's Causeway is the most popular attraction here. It is a natural seaside rock formation that looks like a set of massive stairs and pillars. You can also cross the scenic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge overlooking the ocean. Go rock-climbing at the cliffs of Fair Head or surf at the beaches of Magilligan Point.

Step 3

Go sea kayaking in Connemara, a beautiful region in Ireland featuring pristine ocean inlets. Follow the coastal R336 road to the town of Leenane. A variety of outdoor adventure companies here offer sea kayaking excursions. Paddle along the seaside hamlets of the coast and visit Killary Harbor, the only fjord in Ireland. Wear appropriate sea kayaking gear, as the waves can be a bit rough on windy days.

Tips & Warnings

Ireland has a temperate maritime climate. The country has a reputation for rainy weather, and the winter months are particularly wet and foggy. Visit in the summer months if possible. With warmer temperatures averaging 70 degrees Fahrenheit, June and July are the best months to travel in Ireland.

Avoid hiking or kayaking alone in places where you could get lost or stranded. It is recommended to hire a guide for all excursions if you have any doubts about keeping your bearings while exploring the remote regions of Ireland.

Article Written By David Thyberg

David Thyberg began his writing career in 2007. He is a professional writer, editor and translator. Thyberg has been published in various newspapers, websites and magazines. He enjoys writing about social issues, travel, music and sports. Thyberg holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College with a certificate in Spanish and Latin American studies.

Editor's Pick

5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...
More National Parks...
Popular Article

National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...
More National Parks...
Featured Destination

Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...
More Camping Basics...